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Whale Watch

No one gets you closer, faster. Board one of our high-speed catamarans and spot your first whale in about an hour.

Whoosh to the Whales.

Set sail with us for the whale watch experience of a lifetime. Our destination: Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures. You’ll have a good chance to view several different species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales. And you’ll learn about them from New England Aquarium naturalists who are always on board to share knowledge, answer your questions and explain the mind-blowing behaviors of these truly magnificent mammals.

Recent Activity

Every day NEAQ-trained naturalists capture their experiences on our whale watches. To read more about each trip, click here.

Naturalist Note: July 11, 2017

It was another adventurous day on the Cetacea as we departed Central Wharf in the cool gray conditions in hopes of continuing the streak of great sightings on Stellwagen. Read more.

High Speed. High Adventure.

Our custom whale watch catamarans are among the largest and fastest in the country. Up to 400 passengers can zoom to the whales at speeds approaching 35 knots (37.5 mph for you landlubbers). They’re also incredibly stable, and feature three outside viewing decks as well as a climate-controlled interior cabin with cushy seats and snack bar. Don’t just get to the whales—get to them in style and comfort.

You can recognize our cats by their distinctive blue and white hulls—but did you know they’re also green? BHC is proud to participate in the Passenger Vessel Association Waters Best Green Practices Program.

We are also a proud member of whalesense.org, which recognizes whale watching companies committed to responsible practices.

Great for Groups

For groups of 10 or more, we offer discounted rates as well as extended personalized services. New England Aquarium discounts are also available so please ask.

Our Group Sales department is always on hand and prepared to help with any request including specialty or private tours, water transportation, gourmet food, custom apparel, souvenirs, entertainment, team building programs and more.

To learn more about our Group Tours services, please contact Doug Hall in our group sales office.

* Rates and schedules are subject to change and an additional 5% Boston Sightseeing Tour Surcharge. ** Rate applies to children 3-11 yrs.*** Family Four Pack applies to two adults and two children (ages 3-11) and is valid Monday - Friday for all departures and Saturdays and Sundays for the 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM departures only.

The Harbor Garage, 70 E. India Row, Boston, (in front of the Aquarium plaza) - Receive $10 off the $38 daily rate with validation at the whale watch booth. Good for up to eight hours. PLEASE NOTE: In order to receive the discount, you must present the validation when paying as you exit the garage. If you prepay for parking when entering the garage, you will not be able to receive the discount.

Rowes Wharf Garage, 30 Rowes Wharf, Boston – With validation, you pay $28.00 on weekdays and $15.00 on weekends. Rate without validation is up to $36 for weekdays and up to $18 for weekends. In order to get the discount, you must pick up a coupon from the info desk inside the Aquarium.

Comfortable rubber-soled shoes or sneakers are a good idea, along with a light sweater or jacket, even on a warm day. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must, and don’t forget your camera or binoculars.

Our galleys offer a terrific selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, tasty snacks such as hot pretzels, popcorn and chips, nutritional bars, fresh fruit, nuts and cereals. Fruit juices, tea, sports drinks and other beverages are also available along with beer, wine and cocktails. Please Note: at sea, credit/debit card transactions are sometimes not possible, so it’s a good idea to have cash in hand.

Our catamarans are designed to be highly stable, but some passengers may experience motion sickness. If you think this could be you, a medication such as Dramamine may help but you should take it at least an hour before boarding. Riding near the front of the boat and facing forward can help, as can ginger, crackers and keeping your head still by resting on a seat back.

Advance-order Whale Watch tickets are non-refundable. But, they may be transferred to another day and time depending on availability. Transfers cannot be handled online, only over the phone or in person at a BHC or New England Aquarium Whale Watch ticket center.